CN101543139A - Consumable component for a plasma arc torch - Google Patents

Abstract

A component for a plasma arc torch includes a body portion, a tapered surface on the body portion including a compressible member that provides a disengagement force relative to the body portion, and an axially disposed surface on the body portion for coupling to a mating surface on an adjacent structure of the torch. The component may be a nozzle and/or an electrode.

Description

Consumable Parts for Plasma Arc Torches

Background technique

Plasma arc torches are widely used for cutting, welding and heat treatment of metal materials. Plasma arc torches typically consist of a cathode block with an electrode mounted therein, a nozzle with a central exit hole mounted in the torch body, electrical connections, passages for cooling fluid and arc control fluid, controls formed in the electrode and nozzle The fluid flow pattern in the plasma chamber between the swirl ring, and the power supply. Maintaining the plasma arc wears out the electrodes, nozzles, swirl rings, and shields and requires periodic replacement; therefore, these parts are referred to as "consumables."

There are gas-cooled plasma arc cutting torches that enable tool-free replacement of consumable parts. However, these gas cooled torches typically use the same fluid, such as air, to support the cutting process and cool the torch. Because only one gas is used in this torch, there is no need to isolate the different gases between the different torch components (by using seals, o-rings, etc.). Gas cooled torches are generally easy to disassemble due to the generally loose alignment of the components.

In comparison, liquid cooled torches require tight seals that separate the different fluids/gases between torch components. While these seals effectively control fluid/gas flow between the different torch parts, they also tightly hold the torch parts together. Accordingly, liquid cooled plasma cutting torches typically require specially designed tools to install and remove the various consumable parts. For example, a specially designed tool is required to install and remove the electrode, while another specially designed tool is required to install and remove the nozzle, etc.

Contents of the invention

The need for these specially designed tools is facilitated by various factors. One factor includes the size of the consumable parts. For example, many consumable components have outer diameters that are less than 1 inch (2.54 cm) in size, making it difficult to generate sufficient torque by hand to install and remove consumable components. Another factor includes precise alignment of consumable components requiring small clearances between the mating diameters of the components and torch body. For example, component designs with tight radial clearances often do not fit freely with the torch body. Yet another factor includes the inclusion of seals, such as O-ring seals, in the design of consumable components that contain and separate liquid coolant and process gas. Installing or removing a consumable part with an O-ring seal requires a force component to overcome the frictional resistance of the O-ring on the sealing surface.

These specially designed tools add to the cost of the system and complicate the use of the system. Additionally, some structure must be added to the consumable part to interface with the tool, adding to the overall cost of the part.

Accordingly, there is a need to provide low cost, easily manufactured and easily replaceable consumable components within a plasma arc torch wherein the alignment and concentricity of the consumable components within the plasma arc torch can be precisely controlled.

A part for a plasma arc torch comprising a body portion, a conical surface on the body portion and an axially disposed surface on the body portion, the conical surface comprising a compressible member providing a disengagement force relative to the body portion, The axially disposed surface is for coupling to a mating surface on an adjacent structure of the welding torch. The component can be a nozzle and/or an electrode. Plasma arc torches can be liquid or gas cooled.

The compressible member radially aligns the body portion of the torch with the central axis. A compressible member may provide a seal between the body portion and the torch. The compressible member may be an O-ring.

In one embodiment, the tapered surface on the body portion may have a clearance relative to a corresponding tapered surface of the torch in a range of values from 0.00001 inch (0.000254 mm) to more than zero. In another embodiment, the tapered surface is accessible at a location around the body portion. The tapered surface may include formations for receiving the compressible member, wherein the formations may be recesses defined by the body portion.

The axially disposed surface can be electrically coupled to the mating surface. The axially disposed surface may be axially aligned with the body portion at an axial position relative to an adjacent structure of the torch.

In another embodiment, a tool-less plasma arc torch includes a torch body, an electrode coupled to the torch body, a nozzle coupled to the torch body, and a retaining cap coupled to the torch body, the nozzle having a compressible The conical surface and the axially disposed surface, the compressible member provides a disengagement force relative to the adjacent conical surface of the torch body, and the axially disposed surface is used to couple the mating surface on the adjacent structure of the torch body, The retaining cap provides a fit for coupling the nozzle to the torch body. The electrode may also include a tapered surface including a compressible member for providing a disengagement force relative to an adjacent tapered surface of the torch body, and an axially disposed surface for the axially disposed surface. Matching surfaces on adjacent structures to which the torch body is attached.

The toolless plasma arc torch may also include a spring member disposed between the electrode and the nozzle for providing a coupling force between the electrode and the torch body. The toolless plasma arc torch may also include a swirl ring including a compressible member for providing a breakaway force against the tapered surface of the torch body. The spring element can be integral with the swirl ring.

The compressible member can align at least one of the electrode, the nozzle, and the swirl ring with the central axis of the torch. The electrode and swirl ring may be fixedly coupled to the torch body. The electrode and nozzle can be electrically coupled to the cathode and anode of the torch body, respectively. The shield is hand-tightened to the torch body.

In another embodiment, a plasma arc torch component may include a body portion, a tapered surface on the body portion, and axially disposed and mating surfaces on the body portion, the tapered surface being dimensioned to receive a compressible member that may The compression member provides a disengagement force relative to the body portion, the axially disposed surface is used to align the body in axial position relative to an adjacent structure of the torch, and the mating surface is used to electrically couple the component to an adjacent structure of the torch. structurally.

In another embodiment, a plasma arc torch component may include: a body portion having an axial length and a radial width; an axial stop for aligning the body portion along the axial length; and the body portion a tapered surface on the upper sized to cooperate with the compressible member, wherein when the parts are assembled, the compressible member develops an axial and radial force, wherein the radial force radially aligns the parts, and Axial force biases the component in the direction of disassembly.

In another embodiment, a plasma arc torch component may include a first component; an axial stop for axially rigid alignment of said first component relative to a second component; and a radial stop , for radially aligning the first component relative to the second component and for axially biasing the first component. The first component may be a plasma arc torch body.

A method for aligning a first component in a plasma arc torch assembly, the first component having an axial stop and a tapered surface for engaging a compressible member, the method comprising: slidably moving the first an axial stop of the component cooperates with the second component of the plasma arc torch assembly to axially position the second component; and bias the compressible member against the tapered surface of the first component to align the first component with the The second part is radially aligned.

In another embodiment, an assembly of plasma arc torch components may include: a first component having an axially disposed surface and a tapered surface; a second component having an axially disposed surface, wherein the first component and The second member is axially aligned by its respective axially disposed surface; and a compression member which radially aligns the first and second members, the compression member cooperating with the tapered surface to be biased in the direction of disassembly first part and second part.

Advantages of the device include highly accurate consumable parts that can be easily replaced without tools, resulting in a reduction in overall system cost and ease of use of the system.

Description of drawings

The foregoing and other objects, features and advantages of the invention will appear from the following more particular description of preferred embodiments of the invention, as shown in the accompanying drawings in which like numerals refer to like parts in different drawings. The drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon illustrating the principles of the invention.

Figure 1 shows a plasma arc torch system;

Figure 2 shows a plasma arc torch in simple schematic form;

Figure 3A shows a simplified schematic diagram of a toolless plasma arc torch;

Figure 3B is an exploded view of the schematic diagram of Figure 3A;

Figure 4 is a schematic illustration of a toolless plasma arc torch; and

5 is a schematic illustration of another embodiment of the toolless plasma arc torch of FIG. 4 .

Detailed ways

FIG. 1 shows a plasma arc torch system 100 indicating various modes of torch systems, including hand-cut and mechanically cut systems. The power supply 110 provides a continuously variable current output over a range (eg, from about 20 to 40 amps). This range can be higher or lower depending on the torch system, the thickness of the workpiece and the required cutting speed. The variable power supply 110 allows a wide variation in the cutting speed for a given thickness of metal.

A torch body 120 configured for hand cutting is connected to a power source 110 by leads 122 . The power supply 110 is housed in a housing 112 . The leads 122 are connected to the power source 110 through a strain relief system 124 . Lead wire 122 provides plasma gas from a gas source (not shown) and electrical power from power supply 110 to torch body 120 to ignite and maintain the plasma arc. In one embodiment, air is used as the plasma gas, while other gases can be used to improve cut quality on metals such as stainless steel and aluminum. Clamp 130 is connected to workpiece 250 ( FIG. 2 ) by workpiece leads 132 to provide a return path for current generated by power supply 110 .

Figure 2 shows the plasma arc torch body in simplified schematic form of Figure 1, representing any of the various mode torches. The torch body 120 is generally cylindrical with an exit hole 200 to allow a plasma arc 240 , ie, a jet of ionized gas, to form between the torch body 120 and a workpiece 250 . Welding torches are used to pierce and cut metals such as mild steel or other conductive materials in a conducted arc mode. The torch operates with a reactive gas, such as oxygen or air, or an inactive gas, such as nitrogen or argon, as the plasma gas to form a conductive plasma arc.

The torch body 120 supports at its lower end an electrode 210 having an insert 212 and a nozzle 220 spaced from the electrode 210 . The nozzle 220 has a central hole defining the outlet hole 200 . Swirl ring 230 is mounted to torch body 120 . In one embodiment, the swirl ring 230 has a set of radially offset (or tapered) gas distribution holes 232 that impart a tangential velocity component to the plasma gas flow to swirl the gas. This vortex forms a vortex that confines the arc and stabilizes the position of the arc on the insert.

Referring to Figures 3A-5, assembly and disassembly of certain torch components can be accomplished without tools. For example, torch components that have normally built-in threads to mate with adjacent components may be replaced with components that slidably mate with other plasma arc torch components through structures described in more detail below.

3A and 3B show a simplified schematic and exploded view of a slidable nozzle of a tool-less plasma arc torch 300 . The slidable nozzle 370 is held in the assembled position by use of a retaining cap 302 which, when attached, retains the slidable nozzle to the anode block 308 of the torch body 300 . In contrast, when the retaining cap 302 is removed, the slidable nozzle 370 can be removed without any tools.

Additionally, the torch assembly as shown in FIG. 4 may be formed in a position where a plurality of torch components may be slidably attached to the torch body such that the components are coupled to the torch by retaining cap 302 . Also, once the retaining cap 302 is removed, the slidable part can be removed without any tools. Since these parts can be slidably assembled, there is no need to include threads on these parts to assemble them to the torch body. Therefore, both assembly time and manufacturing cost can be reduced.

As shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B , at least two torch parts of the torch body are slidably coupled together such that in an assembled configuration, the two torch parts (e.g., anode 308 and nozzle 370 ) can be moved both in the longitudinal direction and in the assembled configuration. Alignable in radial direction. The two torch components 308, 370 are also offset in the disassembly direction. Combinations of alignment and biasing can be achieved through a number of embodiments and configurations, including those described immediately below.

As shown, the first torch component 308 and the second torch component 370 are aligned by the primary and secondary datum planes such that the compressible member 376 is disposed between the two components 308 , 370 . The primary datum is an axial stop 318 in the first component 308 such that when assembled, the primary datum of the first component 308 abuts a corresponding structural or axial stop 378 in the second component 370 . The axial stop may be a lip or edge on the first component 308 that cooperates with a similar lip or edge on the second component 370 to establish the relative relationship of the two components along the longitudinal axis. The axial stop may be a hard or rigid axial stop such as formed by metal-to-metal contact.

The secondary datum may be formed by a tapered surface 314 within the first member 308 that radially aligns the first member 308 and the second member 370 via a compressible member 376 . In one embodiment, the compressible member 376 is located on the tapered surface 314 of the first member 308 and is compressed between the first member 308 and the second member 370 when assembled. During compression of the compression member 376, a compression vector having an axial component A and a radial component B is formed.

The radial component B is used to radially align the first component 308 and the second component 370 . The axial component A serves to bias the first part 308 and the second part in the disassembly direction so that the two parts 308, 370 are free to disengage when the torch body 300 is disassembled. Compression of the compressible member may also serve as a fluid seal between the first component 308 and the second component 370 . Since the secondary datum is located at the contact location of the compressible member, the secondary datum may be flexible. It should also be noted that the secondary datum may still allow contact at a single location between the first component 308 and the second component 370 and also perform alignment and biasing functions. By using two datums, the first part 308 and the second part 370 can be aligned for easy disassembly and assembly.

FIG. 4 shows an embodiment of a lower body portion, or "working end" 400 of the liquid or gas cooled plasma arc torch shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 . The working end 400 has a centrally disposed longitudinal axis 302 and includes a cathode block 304 , a torch insulator 306 , and an anode block 308 each having a corresponding tapered alignment surface 310 , 312 , 314 . The cathode block 304 and anode block 308 include respective axial stops 316 , 318 . In certain embodiments, the tapered alignment surfaces 308, 314 of the cathode block 304 and anode block 308 may include corresponding lead-in structures 322, 326 for protecting consumable components from damage during installation. Additionally, the lead-in wires 322, 326 facilitate component ejection by increasing axial force and reducing drag on the component. Working end 400 also includes radially centered consumable components (electrode 330, swirl ring 350, nozzle 370, and shield 390). In certain embodiments, each tapered alignment surface 308, 312, 314 may also include a compressible member (not shown) to provide sealing, radial alignment force, and axial disengagement between the torch and consumable components. Open force. In some embodiments, the torch is liquid or gas cooled.

The electrode 330 includes a tapered surface 332 for alignment with the first tapered alignment surface 310 of the working end 400 of the plasma arc torch. The tapered surface 322 includes a formation (eg, a groove) 334 to receive a compressible member 336 or is sized to receive a compressible member 336 . A compressible member 336, such as an O-ring, provides the following functions: 1) a seal between the electrode 330 and the plasma chamber to contain and separate process gas and torch coolant; and 3) an axial disengagement force between the working end 400 and the electrode 330 to bias the electrode 330 in the disassembly direction. In certain embodiments, tapered surface 332 has an axial extension of less than about 0.5 inches (1.27 cm), and in some embodiments less than about 0.25 inches (0.635 cm). The electrode 330 also includes an axial stop 338 that aligns the electrode 330 with the axial stop 316 of the cathode block 304 . In some embodiments, the axial stops 316, 338 are rigidly coupled. Additionally, the axial-to-axial stops 316, 338 are capable of conducting the electrical current and thermal energy required to operate the torch. It should be understood that electrical coupling of the electrodes 330 to the cathode block 304 may be accomplished in other ways known in the art.

During installation, when the electrode 330 is installed into the working end 400 of the plasma arc torch, the tapered surface 332 is guided by the first tapered alignment surface 310 until the compressible member 336 rests against the first tapered alignment surface 310. The lead-in feature 322 on the first tapered alignment surface 310 prevents damage to the compressible member or O-ring 336 . As shown, in one embodiment, a nominal gap of 0.002 inches is provided between the tapered surface 332 and the first tapered alignment surface 310 to prevent sticking during installation.

In some embodiments, swirl ring 350 may be disposed between electrode 330 and nozzle 370 . Swirl ring 350 controls the fluid flow pattern on the front of the plasma chamber between electrode 330 and nozzle 370 . The swirl ring 350 includes at least one structure (eg, groove) 354 to receive or be sized to receive a corresponding compressible member 356 for alignment with the second tapered alignment surface 312 of the working end 400 of the plasma arc torch. A compressible member 356, such as an O-ring, provides the following functions: 1) a seal between the swirl ring 350 and the plasma chamber to contain and separate process gas and torch coolant; and 3) an axial disengagement force between the working end 400 and the swirl ring 350 to bias the swirl ring 350 in the disassembly direction. In some embodiments, a spring member 358 is disposed between the electrode 330 and the swirl ring 350 to provide a mating force between the electrode 330 and the cathode block 304 during installation. It should be appreciated that spring member 358 may be disposed between swirl ring 350 and nozzle 370 , integral with swirl ring 350 , or formed in any configuration that will provide a mating force of electrode 330 to cathode block 304 .

During installation, the compressible member 356 rests against the second tapered alignment surface 312 when the swirl ring 350 is installed into the working end 400 of the plasma arc torch. It should be understood that the non-integral spring member 358 may be installed before or after the swirl ring 350 is installed or replaced.

The nozzle 370 includes a tapered surface 372 for alignment with the third tapered alignment surface 314 of the working end 400 of the plasma arc torch. The tapered surface 372 includes formations (eg, grooves) 374 or is sized to receive the compressible member 356 . A compressible member 376, such as an O-ring, provides the following functions: 1) a seal between the nozzle 370 and the plasma chamber to contain and separate process gas and torch coolant; and 3) an axial disengagement force between the working end 400 and the nozzle 370 to bias the nozzle 370 in the disassembly direction. In certain embodiments, tapered surface 372 has an axial extension of less than about 0.5 inches (1.27 cm). The nozzle 370 also includes an axial stop 378 that aligns the nozzle 370 with the axial stop 318 of the anode block 308 . In some embodiments, the axial stops 318, 378 are rigidly coupled. Additionally, the axial-to-axial stops 318, 378 are capable of conducting the electrical current and thermal energy required to operate the torch. It should be understood that electrical coupling of nozzle 370 to anode block 308 may be accomplished in other ways known in the art.

During installation, when the nozzle 370 is installed into the working end 400 of the plasma arc torch, the tapered surface 372 is guided by the third tapered alignment surface 314 until the compressible member 376 rests against the third tapered alignment surface 314. The lead-in feature 326 on the third tapered alignment surface 314 prevents damage to the compressible member or o-ring 376 . As shown, in one embodiment, a nominal gap of 0.002 inches is provided between the tapered surface 372 and the third tapered alignment surface 314 to prevent sticking during installation.

A fingertight threaded retaining cap 302 may be employed to couple the consumable component to the torch body. Retaining cap 302 places a force on nozzle 370 , swirl ring 350 , and electrode 330 (via spring member 358 ), aligning the longitudinal axes of these components with torch axis 302 . The force also seats the working end 400 of the torch with corresponding complementary components such as cathode block 304 , torch insulator 306 and anode block 308 .

The shield 390 is generally the outermost component of the working end 400 of the welding torch. In certain embodiments, shield 390 may be threadedly attached to torch working end 400 or attached in a crimped configuration. In other embodiments, the shield 390 may be connected to the torch body by a retaining cap 392 . In these embodiments, the shield 390 may also include a tapered surface 372 for alignment with adjacent components. The tapered surface 372 may include formations (eg, grooves) 374 to receive the compressible member 356 . In some embodiments, the shield 390 may act as a retaining cap, thereby providing the necessary force to seat the consumable component.

During torch operation, electrode 330, swirl ring 350, nozzle 370, and shield 390 are subjected to harsh conditions, including high temperatures and other physical stresses. Consequently, these components degrade over time and eventually must be replaced, usually in the field. The prior art requires the use of specialized tools to remove these components. In the above embodiment, the retaining cap 302 need only be removed by hand, thereby being able to exert an axial component of compressive force on the compressible member to assist in ejecting these components from the torch.

Figure 4 shows an embodiment including toolless torch components and conventional torch components. That is, some components may be conventional types of threaded consumables, while some components may be slidable as described above. This can reduce the cost of components, which are easier to replace than others. That is, consumable components closest to the plasma arc are more prone to wear and need to be replaced before components further from the plasma arc. For example, electrode 330 and nozzle 370 are more likely to wear before shield 390 , and shield 390 is more likely to wear before swirl ring 350 and the like.

In this embodiment, the electrode 330 is threadedly attached to the cathode block 304, eliminating the need for the spring member 358 (FIG. 3). The swirl ring 350, nozzle 370, and shield 390 are each coupled to a "working end" 400 of the plasma arc torch as described above.

Electrode 330 includes a threaded surface 339 and a deformable surface such as a lip. Threaded surface 339 mates with cooperating threads 319 of cathode block 302 . During torch operation, the electrode 304 is axially aligned with the torch axis 302 and spaced appropriately from the nozzle 350 by threadingly attaching the electrode 330 to the cathode block 304 . The mating of threaded surface 339 with cooperating threads 319 also serves as an electrical connection to conduct the required electrical current between cathode block 304 and electrode 330 .

In certain embodiments, the swirl ring 350 may also include threaded surfaces that mate with cooperating threaded surfaces on the torch insulator 306 . In general, however, the swirl ring 350 can be captured within the working end 400 of the welding torch simply by the retaining cap. In either configuration, swirl ring 350 is required to be centered about electrode 330 to provide a concentric uniform annular plasma chamber to provide uniform gas flow therein and facilitate torch operation.

Figures 3 and 4 illustrate each tapered surface as a linear tapered surface, but it should be understood that each tapered surface may be any number of shapes, including curved and arcuate surfaces. In general, the shape of a "tapered" surface can be understood as any shape that, when the two torch parts are assembled, the tangent to the surface at the point of contact with the compressible member tapers in the direction of disassembly relative to the axis of the torch. shape.

As can be appreciated from the above, the working end provides a simple and effective way to ensure proper alignment of consumable components within the working end of a plasma arc torch. The problems of ensuring tight alignment while operating in harsh field conditions and the need to replace parts when damaged and out of service are largely eliminated. This avoids unacceptable production errors affecting the workpiece due to incorrectly aligned devices.

While the invention has been particularly shown and described which are preferred embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and details may be made therein without departing from the scope of the invention encompassed by the appended claims.

Claims (31)

1. A component for a plasma arc welding torch, comprising: Body part; a tapered surface on the body portion, the tapered surface including a compressible member providing a disengagement force relative to the body portion; and An axially disposed surface on the body portion for coupling to a mating surface on an adjacent structure of the torch. 2. The component of claim 1, wherein the component is one of a nozzle, a shield, a swirl ring, an electrode, or a portion of a plasma arc torch body. 3. The component of claim 1, wherein the compressible member radially aligns central axes of the body component and the torch. 4. The component of claim 1 , wherein said tapered surface on said body portion has a range of 0.00001 to 0.002 inches (0.000254 to 0.0508 mm) relative to a corresponding tapered surface of said torch. )Clearance. 5. The component of claim 1, wherein the compressible member provides a seal between the body component and the torch. 6. The component of claim 1, wherein the compressible member is an O-ring. 7. The component of claim 1, wherein the tapered surface includes formations for receiving the compressible member. 8. The component of claim 7, wherein the formations on the tapered surface are grooves defined by the body portion. 9. The component of claim 1, wherein said axially disposed surface and said mating surface on said adjacent structure of said torch are electrically coupled. 10. The component of claim 1 wherein said axially disposed surface axially aligns said body portion in an axial position relative to said adjacent structure of said torch. 11. A plasma arc welding torch comprising: Body part; an electrode coupled to the torch body; a nozzle coupled to the torch body, the nozzle comprising: a tapered surface including a compressible member providing a disengagement force relative to an adjacent tapered surface of the torch body; and an axially disposed surface for coupling to a mating surface on an adjacent surface within the torch body; and A retaining cap is coupled to the torch body, the retaining cap providing a fit for coupling the nozzle to the torch body. 12. The plasma arc torch of claim 11, wherein the electrode further comprises: a tapered surface including a compressible member providing a disengagement force relative to an adjacent tapered surface of the torch body; and An axially disposed surface for coupling to a mating surface on an adjacent structure of the torch body. 13. The plasma arc torch of claim 12, further comprising a spring member disposed between the electrode and the nozzle for seating the electrode to the torch when assembled ontology. 14. The plasma arc torch of claim 13, further comprising a swirl ring disposed between said electrode and said nozzle, said swirl ring including a compressible member to provide The disengagement force of the adjacent tapered surface of the torch body. 15. The plasma arc torch of claim 14, wherein said spring member is integral with said swirl ring. 16. The plasma arc torch of claim 11, wherein the tapered surface has a clearance in the range of 0.00001 to 0.002 inches (0.000254 to 0.0508 mm) relative to the tapered surface of the torch. 17. The plasma arc torch of claim 11, wherein said tapered surface of said torch includes a lead-in structure for protecting said compressible member from damage when installed. 18. The plasma arc torch of claim 11, wherein the compressible member aligns at least one of the electrode, the nozzle, and the swirl ring with a central axis of the torch . 19. The plasma arc torch of claim 11, wherein the compressible member is an O-ring. 20. The plasma arc torch of claim 11, wherein the electrode is fixedly coupled to the torch body. 21. The plasma arc torch of claim 11, wherein the swirl ring is fixedly coupled to the torch body. 22. The plasma arc torch of claim 11, wherein the electrode is electrically coupled to a cathode of the torch body and the nozzle is electrically coupled to an anode of the torch body. 23. The plasma arc torch of claim 11, wherein said torch is liquid or gas cooled. 24. An assembly for a plasma arc torch comprising: means for providing a breakaway force relative to said component and said plasma arc torch; and means for cooperating with corresponding mating surfaces of said component and said plasma arc torch. 25. A plasma arc torch component comprising: Body part; a tapered surface on the body portion sized to receive a compressible member providing a disengagement force relative to the body portion; an axially disposed surface on the body portion for aligning the body in an axial position relative to an adjacent structure of the torch; and A mating surface for electrical coupling with a component on the adjacent structure of the torch. 26. A plasma arc torch component comprising: a body portion having an axial length and a radial width; an axial stop for aligning the body portion along the axial length; and a tapered surface on the body portion, the tapered surface sized to cooperate with a compressible member, wherein when the components are assembled, the compressible member develops an axial and radial force, wherein the The force in the radial direction aligns the components radially, and the force in the axial direction biases the components in a disassembly direction. 27. A plasma arc torch component comprising: Ontology; an axial stop defining a major datum plane for rigid axial alignment of the body relative to an adjacent structure; and A radial stop defining a secondary datum surface for rigidly aligning the body radially relative to an adjacent structure and axially biasing the body. 28. The component of claim 27, wherein the component is a plasma arc torch body. 29. A method for aligning a first component in a plasma arc torch assembly, the first component having an axial stop and a tapered surface for engaging a compressible member, the method comprising: slidably engaging the axial stop of the first component with a second component of the plasma arc torch assembly to axially position the second component relative to the first component; and The compressible member is biased against the tapered surface of the first member to radially align the first member with the second member. 30. An assembly of plasma arc torch components, the assembly comprising: a first member having an axially disposed surface and a tapered surface; a second part having an axially disposed surface, wherein the first part and the second part are axially aligned by their respective axially disposed surfaces; and a compression member radially aligning the first and second members, the compression member cooperating with the tapered surface to bias the first and second members in the direction of disassembly second component. 31. A method for aligning a first part of a plasma arc torch with a second part of a plasma arc torch assembly having a compressible member therebetween, the method comprising: axially aligning said first component with said second component by a rigid primary datum; The first member is radially aligned with the second member by a flexible secondary datum such that the compressible member radially aligns the first member with the second member and the compressible A compression member axially biases the compressible member in a disassembly direction.

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